1. For those who haven’t had a chance to read the novel yet could you share with our readers what ‘The Undying Love‘ is about?
The Undying Love is about a two young newlyweds who have their wedding crashed by the living dead. The first part of the book is all about them trying to survive the initial chaos of the outbreak. Eventually, they meet up with other survivors and try to start a new way of life. This part of the book is filled with plenty of searing post-apocalyptic drama.
2. What influenced you on choosing the setting for ‘The Undying Love’?
I lived in Houston for 10 years and always thought the sprawling and densely populated city would make a great setting for the onset of the zombie plague. The inner city setting of the first half of the book is vastly different than the rural setting of the second half of the book, which was inspired by my wife’s hometown.
3. The age old question which always must be asked, slow or fast zombies and why?
My answer is always: why can’t it be both?!
In The Undying Love, after someone is infected, they still maintain the majority of their pre-infection strength and speed. After a while, rigor mortis and decay sets in, and they start shambling. This let me pay homage to the origins of zombies while also featuring the particularly terrifying, fast zombie.
4. Do you have any plans for future zombie novels lined up? Either a continuation of the world you created in ‘The Undying Love’ or an entirely new setting?
I’ve got a lot of ideas for novels that I need to get to before I revisit zombies. And as far as The Undying Love goes, I’ll probably leave that story alone. I really like where I left it.
5. When you sit down and write what is your perfect writing environment, i.e., quiet, music, a specific room in the house? What helps get you in the mood? Watching classic horror films or…?
I do my most productive writing at the small desk in my bedroom. I usually like a glass of wine and some soft music playing so quietly that I can barely notice it. Hearing a really moving song or watching a profound movie usually inspires me to be creative.
6. Who are 5 people, besides immediate family and nearby friends, that you would want to be stuck with or in a group with during an apocalyptic event not exactly a zombie outbreak but something that would affect life as you know it on a global scale? Why?
Bear Grylls – He’s a master survivalist and adventurer. Enough said.
Will Ferrell – The funniest guy on Earth would provide for some much needed comedic relief during the apocalypse.
Bobby Flay – It will probably take a super chef to turn scavenged food into something tasty.
Bob Vila – A construction whiz would no doubt come in handy when our civilization is in ruins.
Ted Nugent – I think a wild rock star that also happens to be an avid hunter would be a great addition to the group.
7. What advice can you impart to authors just starting out who want to break into the any particular genre?
Keep the story moving forward! I think so many beginning authors, including myself, get hung up on trying to make everything sound perfect the first time through…that’s what editing is for! You can’t create a beautiful vase without having a hunk of clay first. Just keep the story moving forward, knowing you’ll come back later and make it awesome.
8. Who do you feel is directly responsible for your entry into the field of writing and specifically the inclusion of zombies into your work?
I don’t think any single person is responsible for my interest in zombie fiction. I’ve always been a horror fan and think that the living dead is one of its most fascinating sub-genres.
9. What and who are your favorite authors and books not in the zombie/horror genre? Tell us a little bit about them and how they may have affected your work.
In the Rogue Blood by James Carlos Blake is my favorite western. I really like how Blake is able to write so beautifully about such grim and violent events.
I’m also a big sci-fi fan and really enjoy the Hyperion series by Dan Simmons. These books are chalked full of creative imagery that transports the reader to another world.
My favorite classic is The Call of the Wild by Jack London. This hundred-page book about a dog is better that most books I’ve read about people. It’s adventurous and profoundly thought provoking.
10. Do you have any suggestions, aside from your own work that is, on novels you recommend zombie fanatics pick up?
Hmmm…I’m not sure if I would recommend it, but Fifty Shades of Decay: Zombie Erotica is sure to be unlike anything you’ve ever read in the genre. You haven’t fully experienced the entire spectrum of the undead until you’ve read about zombies in graphic sexual situations.
11. Where can readers and fans alike find out more information about your books and upcoming projects that you’re involved in?
The Undying Love is available on Amazon, Kindle, Nook, and ibooks. I’m currently working on another novel, which will hopefully be released next year. You can also find me on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/WriteGregMcCabe
